`SAMMY, FRY GUY' RETIRES ONE MORE TIME

When Sam Bryant retired from International Shoe Co. more than 20 years ago, it was a short-lived retirement -- just three days.

"That was enough," said Bryant. "I started looking for another job."

He has been working steadily since then -- eight years overseeing four coin-operated laundries and the past 13 years at McDonald's restaurant in Cape Girardeau.

Bryant, who has been turning out golden fries at the Golden Arches at 1925 Broadway since 1984, retired one more time Tuesday morning ... at the age of 88.

Bryant, more fondly known as "Sammie, Fry Guy," was guest of honor at a retirement party at McDonald Tuesday morning. A number of his friends, co-workers and relatives were on hand.

"This time I'm really retiring," said Bryant, who has been working more than 70 of his 88 years. "I've already staked out a spot at the county lakes just west of town, waiting to wet a fishing hook."

Bryant, who was 75 when he started at McDonald's, said he is ready for retirement.

"It's been a fun time working here," he said. "I've met a lot of people and made a lot of friends here. And, I'll still stop by on occasion."

Lynn Petzoldt, director of operations for Rich House Inc., which operates eight McDonald's in Southeast Missouri, presented a number of gifts from the company and employees to Bryant.

In attendance were Bryant's wife, Helen. The Bryants have two children, Kathy Haupt of Fruitland and Bercel Bryant of Hickman, Ky.; four grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. The daughter attended the festivities.

Bryant's typical workday throughout most of his McDonald's career consisted of filling napkin holders, making rounds with the coffee pot and "joshing" with a good number of customers he had grown to know.

"I know a lot of the customers," he said. "I ought to: I've been around Cape Girardeau all my life. There were lots of groups of fellows who came in regularly and invited me to discuss the news of the day"

Bryant, a native of McClure, Ill., was raised in Cape Girardeau. His family moved here when he was an infant.

Bryant worked more than 50 years at International Shoe in Cape Girardeau.

"I retired three days when I left my job with International Shoe," he said. "I figured that was about enough, so I started looking for a job."

He found one overseeing the four laundries, owned then by Hutson Furniture Co. That position kept him busy about eight years.

By then Sammie was nearing the three-quarter century mark.

He wasn't ready for the rocking chair yet.

"I knew the manager at McDonald's," said Bryant. "I'd often stop by for a burger and chat."

One day in early 1984 Bryant decided that he wanted something to do in his spare time and asked if there were any positions for eager beginners at McDonald's.

There was.

The next day Bryant reported for work behind the counter of one of the busiest establishments in town.

Since then he has turned out a mountain of French fries.

"I started at four hours a day," said Bryant. "Later they put me up to seven hours a day, five days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"It was my lucky day when I walked in here and asked for a job," said Samnie. "I guess they just needed someone."

It was also a lucky day for McDonald's.